Advice on getting started (nuc/hive)

[BernardBlack]

Any advise on finding a reliable source for getting started with a nuc?

Also, I'm in two minds about which type of hive to purchase for getting started.

Just wondered what people's opinions were on the two issues.

 

[Levitt53]

Hi I'll answer this as a newbee of about a week. Firstly contact your local beekeeping association. Mine has not helped me but yours might be better. Also see if they have a Facebook page as its swarming season so there might be some swarms going begging. I've managed to pick one up this way. Your association can put you on the list for a swarm but I don't know how this works. If you are quick and vigilant Facebook might be better.

Have you done a course?

Good luck

 

[B+.]

Any advise on finding a reliable source for getting started with a nuc?

Also, I'm in two minds about which type of hive to purchase for getting started.

Just wondered what people's opinions were on the two issues.

If your local association has a demonstration apiary, you could go along to any meetings and learn how to handle the bees. This has a number of benefits:-
1. You learn under supervision
2. You make contacts who can help you (as a mentor or providing you with access to bees)
3. When they come to demonstrate swarm control at the apiary, they may have surplus splits that they don't need.

 

[Brian Bush]

If your local association has a demonstration apiary, you could go along to any meetings and learn how to handle the bees. This has a number of benefits:-
1. You learn under supervision
2. You make contacts who can help you (as a mentor or providing you with access to bees)
3. When they come to demonstrate swarm control at the apiary, they may have surplus splits that they don't need.

Probably best to use National Hives as the parts are readily available and probably the cheapest overall

 

[Levitt53]

If your local association has a demonstration apiary, you could go along to any meetings and learn how to handle the bees. This has a number of benefits:-
1. You learn under supervision
2. You make contacts who can help you (as a mentor or providing you with access to bees)
3. When they come to demonstrate swarm control at the apiary, they may have surplus splits that they don't need.

This was not my experience with my association as I hadn't taken their course. The only thing they have offered me is a place on an overwintering course in September (assuming I still have bees). Hopefully they are not all like this. I don't even get replies to e-mails - hopefully I've not been black balled!

 

[Brigsy]

Are you the person having no luck with the Cambridge lot? A person signed up from their last course on here this week. Maybe you could help each other?

 

[Levitt53]

Are you the person having no luck with the Cambridge lot? A person signed up from their last course on here this week. Maybe you could help each other?

Yes that's me. Don't want to upset anyone so won't say much but have given up really. Happy to chat with anyone about bees. I have a few contacts (it's amazing how many people have bees and you never knew!) and one experienced ex-beekeeper who I know who I thought had moved away but have found out this morning that he lives a few miles away.

 

[Brigsy]

Ah good you have some backup now.

 

[Vortex]

Probably best to use National Hives as the parts are readily available and probably the cheapest overall

The OP is in Ireland so Nationals may not be as prevalent .. the most used hive world wide in the Langstroth (although that's not an exact standard).

Unless you have a specific preference using what is prevalent in your area can help significantly when trying to obtain a Nuc.

 

[BernardBlack]

Hi I'll answer this as a newbee of about a week. Firstly contact your local beekeeping association. Mine has not helped me but yours might be better. Also see if they have a Facebook page as its swarming season so there might be some swarms going begging. I've managed to pick one up this way. Your association can put you on the list for a swarm but I don't know how this works. If you are quick and vigilant Facebook might be better.

Have you done a course?

Good luck

Might be difficult, I'm not on Facebook.

Yes I've done a beginner course.

 

[mjt68]

Yes that's me. Don't want to upset anyone so won't say much but have given up really. Happy to chat with anyone about bees. I have a few contacts (it's amazing how many people have bees and you never knew!) and one experienced ex-beekeeper who I know who I thought had moved away but have found out this morning that he lives a few miles away.

I think a problem with Cambs in general (not just CBKA) is that the city of Cambridge sometimes gets a lot of the attention...

 

[Poly Hive]

I would suggest a nuc to start with and the frame it is on is really immaterial as with a simple board any nuc can be transferred in 24 days to any other frame.

However your hive decision is a major issue so think deeply. Also feel free to come on here and run your thinking past us as there may be a wrinkle or two we can shine some light on for you.

PH